First Impressions of KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad promises to tame even the most unruly firearms. Designed by KICK-EEZ, this pad claims to reduce felt recoil significantly, improving comfort and accuracy for shooters of all experience levels. It’s a bold claim, and as someone who’s spent a decade bruising shoulders and flinching at the range, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I’ve always been on the hunt for the “holy grail” of recoil reduction. I needed something that could genuinely mitigate the shoulder-punishing effects of magnum loads in my favorite waterfowl shotgun. My search led me to the KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad after countless recommendations from fellow shooters and gunsmiths.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the density of the material. It felt substantial, not flimsy like some cheaper recoil pads I’ve tried. The build quality appeared solid, with clean edges and a smooth finish, suggesting that KICK-EEZ takes pride in their craftsmanship.
Compared to a standard factory recoil pad and a gel-filled pad I’ve used in the past, the KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad felt noticeably different. The factory pad was hard and unforgiving, the gel pad squishy but lacking in true recoil absorption. This KICK-EEZ pad seemed to offer a balance of give and resistance, a promising sign. My initial thought was optimism mixed with cautious skepticism, hoping this $59.99 investment would finally put an end to my recoil woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad was a skeet range on a particularly blustery autumn day. I fitted it to my 12-gauge shotgun, swapping out the rock-hard factory pad that had been the bane of my existence for years. I ran through several rounds of skeet, focusing intently on how the pad managed recoil with each shot.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The KICK-EEZ pad soaked up a significant portion of the impact, reducing the jarring sensation I was accustomed to. The recoil felt more like a firm push than a sharp kick, allowing me to stay on target for faster follow-up shots. There were no issues with mounting the firearm or any slippage while shouldering it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad during waterfowl season and frequent trips to the range, I can confidently attest to its durability. Despite being subjected to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental bump against hard surfaces, the pad shows no signs of wear and tear. Cleaning is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove any grime.
Compared to my previous experiences with other recoil reduction methods, the KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad has been a game-changer. It outperforms both factory pads and gel-filled alternatives in terms of recoil absorption and longevity. My shoulder feels significantly less fatigued after a day of shooting, and my accuracy has improved due to reduced flinching.
Breaking Down the Features of KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad
Specifications
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad measures 2 inches by 5 5/8 inches with a thickness of 1 1/8 inches. It’s designed to be trimmed for a perfect fit on a wide range of rifle and shotgun stocks. The pad is constructed from KICK-EEZ’s proprietary Sorbothane, a viscoelastic polymer known for its exceptional shock absorption properties. This material is key to the pad’s ability to reduce felt recoil.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the pad’s effectiveness and versatility. The size ensures compatibility with most firearms, while the Sorbothane construction guarantees superior recoil mitigation. The 1 1/8-inch thickness is a sweet spot, providing ample cushioning without adding excessive length to the stock.
Performance & Functionality
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad excels at its primary job: reducing felt recoil. It effectively dampens the impact of each shot, making shooting sessions more comfortable and less taxing on the shooter’s body. While it won’t eliminate recoil entirely, it significantly minimizes the sharp, jarring sensation that can lead to flinching and decreased accuracy.
The main strength of this pad is its ability to absorb recoil across a wide range of firearms and calibers. It performs admirably with everything from light-recoiling rifles to heavy-hitting shotguns. One area that could potentially be improved is the surface texture; while it provides adequate grip, a more aggressive texture might be beneficial in wet conditions. The pad meets and even exceeds my expectations, offering a noticeable improvement in shooting comfort and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad features a simple, functional design that prioritizes performance over aesthetics. The material feels dense and durable, instilling confidence in its long-term reliability. The weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to the firearm.
The pad is designed to be user-friendly, requiring only basic tools and skills for installation. There’s a slight learning curve when it comes to trimming the pad for a custom fit, but with patience and careful measurements, anyone can achieve professional-looking results. The fact that it is trimmable makes it fit a wide range of firearms.
Durability & Maintenance
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad is built to last. The Sorbothane material is resistant to cracking, tearing, and other forms of degradation. I expect this pad to withstand years of heavy use without any significant performance loss.
Maintaining the pad is incredibly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each shooting session is all that’s needed to keep it clean and in good condition. The material doesn’t absorb moisture or odors, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a standalone product designed to replace existing recoil pads. However, its universal design allows it to be used with a wide range of firearms and aftermarket accessories. It can be used with stock sleeves to create a better cheek weld.
The pad is compatible with most standard stock shapes and sizes, making it easy to find a suitable fit. While there are no specific customization options beyond trimming, the pad can be further enhanced with stock wraps or cheek risers to improve ergonomics and shooting comfort.
Pros and Cons of KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad
Pros
- Significant recoil reduction, making shooting more comfortable and less fatiguing.
- Durable Sorbothane construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Trimmable design allows for a custom fit on a wide range of firearms.
- Easy to install and maintain, requiring only basic tools and minimal effort.
- Improved accuracy due to reduced flinching and better recoil management.
Cons
- The generic design might not appeal to shooters seeking a more aesthetically pleasing option.
- The surface texture could be improved for better grip in wet conditions.
Who Should Buy KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad?
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who experiences discomfort or fatigue from recoil. It’s an especially valuable upgrade for shooters using high-powered rifles or shotguns. This pad is also a great choice for youth shooters or individuals with shoulder injuries, as it can help to minimize the impact of recoil and promote safer shooting habits.
Those prioritizing aesthetics over performance might want to explore other options, as the KICK-EEZ pad focuses primarily on functionality. A cheek riser is a must-have accessory to ensure proper eye alignment with optics after installing the recoil pad.
Conclusion on KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad
The KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to reduce felt recoil and improve their shooting experience. Its durable construction, trimmable design, and exceptional shock absorption properties make it a top contender in the recoil reduction market. At $59.99, the price is justified given the noticeable improvement in comfort and accuracy.
I would personally recommend the KICK-EEZ Dual Action All Purpose Recoil Pad to anyone looking for a reliable and effective recoil reduction solution. If you’re tired of shoulder-punishing recoil and want to shoot more comfortably and accurately, give this pad a try. Upgrade your shooting experience today!